It's also expensive. The Araki's have health insurance but still owe $25,000 in unpaid medical bills. Bandages cost $500 a month.

Since there's no known cure, there's fear Calciphylaxis will strike Janell again. It could start with a scratch.

"We're told no trauma, no scratches, no wounds. Even surgeries have to be thought about thoroughly before they even try to do something. We want to keep her in a bubble but we can't," said her husband, Darren.

Janell is well-known in entertainment circles. She owns a sound system business. Darren ran it. In October he suffered a stroke.

They haven't lost hope.

"You have to have faith that everything will work out," Janell said.

Wong said Janell is doing better. Her surgeries are healing but she's a long way from being whole.

Fundraiser for Janell Araki:

April 25 at Rumours Night ClubTickets are $20Call 233-9634

Donations can be made to:Friends of Janell ArakiPO Box 6477Kaneohe, HI 96744